Honoring Our Trans Ancestors: Stories from the Hall of Elders
At Brave Trails, trans history isn’t something we just learn. It’s something we feel.
It lives in the quiet moments when a camper sees themselves reflected in someone who came before them. It echoes in the laughter around a campfire where everyone belongs. It shows up in the courage it takes to say, “This is who I am” and be met with celebration.
Each year during Trans History Week (May 4–10), we take time to honor the trans ancestors who paved the way. At camp, that remembrance lives in our Hall of Elders, a sacred space where stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership surround our youth.
For many campers, it’s the first time they realize:
People like me have always existed.
People like me have always led.
These are the Trailblazers whose courage and determination created the foundation for safe spaces like Brave Trails to flourish. Many of our campers discover these inspiring ancestors for the first time, learning about remarkable individuals who fought for visibility and acceptance. In honor of Trans History Week, we want to share profiles of some of the extraordinary leaders featured in our Hall of Elders. These visionaries and their legacies continue to light the path forward for future generations.
Meet the Ancestors Who Guide Us
Here are just a few of the trans ancestors whose legacies live on at Brave Trails:
Marsha P. Johnson
(1945–1992)
A force of joy, resistance, and care, Marsha was a leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation and co-founded STAR to support unhoused queer youth. Her reminder to “Pay It No Mind” continues to inspire radical self-acceptance.
At camp, her legacy lives in every camper who learns their joy is powerful.
Sylvia Rivera
(1951–2002)
A relentless advocate for trans people, especially those most marginalized, Sylvia fought to ensure no one was left behind.
Her spirit shows up in every Brave Trails space where equity and inclusion lead the way.
Lou Sullivan
(1951–1991)
A trailblazer for trans men, Lou built community and visibility where none existed before, documenting his journey with honesty and care.
His story affirms for campers that there is no one way to be fully themselves.
Gladys Bentley
(1907–1960)
A bold blues performer of the Harlem Renaissance, Gladys challenged norms through music, fashion, and unapologetic expression.
She reminds our youth that creativity can be both liberation and legacy.
Alan L. Hart
(1890–1962)
A physician, writer, and one of the first trans men in the U.S. to undergo gender-affirming surgery, Alan helped pioneer tuberculosis screening while quietly living his truth.
His story reminds our campers that living authentically is its own form of leadership.
We’wha
(1849–1896)
A respected Zuni lhamana (third gender role), We’wha lived authentically in a way that honored cultural traditions beyond Western binaries.
Their presence reminds us that gender diversity has always existed across cultures.
Christine Jorgensen
(1926-1989)
One of the first widely known trans Americans, Christine used her platform to educate and advocate with grace and courage.
Her visibility helped open doors, and inspires our campers to take up space in their own lives.
Billy Tipton
(1914-1989)
A talented jazz musician who lived as a man throughout his life, Billy’s story reflects both the challenges and determination of living authentically in earlier generations.
He reminds us that identity and passion can coexist in powerful ways.
Lili Elbe
(1882–1931)
A pioneering artist and one of the first people to undergo gender-affirming surgeries, Lili’s journey was one of courage and self-discovery.
Her story encourages campers to honor who they are, even when the path is uncertain.
Andrea Gibson
(1975–2025)
A contemporary poet and activist, Andrea’s work transforms vulnerability into power and truth into connection.
Their words remind our youth that their voices matter and can change the world.
Why This Matters at Brave Trails
In our Hall of Elders, these stories are not distant history. They are living reminders of who we can become.
They remind our campers:
You are part of something bigger
You come from a legacy of strength and creativity
Your story matters, too
Today, hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth come to Brave Trails each year to build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong community.
And in spaces like the Hall of Elders, they begin to see themselves not just as participants, but as the next generation of leaders.
One thing that particularly moved us in 2025 was watching one of our incredible role models, Jyler Donovan, dig deeper into LGBTQ+ history in the Southeast. As we launched our first Georgia session, Jyler recognized this as the perfect opportunity to explore the vast history of LGBTQ+ trailblazers in the Southeast who have made incredible strides for our community. Through his research we added 15 additional elders into our Georgia Hall of Elders. This allows youth at our Georgia session to see examples of queer elders from the states where they live.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
These ancestors didn’t just survive. They created, loved, led, and transformed the world around them. Their courage made space for joy. Their stories built the foundation our youth stand on today.
At Brave Trails, we honor them not just by remembering, but by continuing their work: building spaces where LGBTQ+ young people can live freely, lead boldly, and belong fully.
And as we reflect on their legacy, we’re reminded that honoring trans history is also about investing in trans futures, ensuring that every young person has the support, community, and opportunity to write the next chapter.
Because this story is still being written.
“History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable, it happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities.”